UnitedHealthcare announced Wednesday that it plans to eliminate the use of nearly 20% of current prior authorizations, a decision that will benefit healthcare providers and patients who have long complained about the cumbersome process.
Also known as preauthorization, prior authorizations require health care providers to obtain coverage approvals from health plans before conducting certain non-emergency medical procedures.
The company said the decision would take effect from Q3 2023 and continue through the year for most Commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid businesses.
UnitedHealthcare cutting preauthorizations
UnitedHealthcare cutting preauthorizations
If you're looking for a Medicare Advantage plan, perhaps this announcement might make at least one carrier a little less problematic at times.